Could the Redditch Tour Series inspire you to get on your bike?

EXCITEMENT is building with just over a week to go until the Tour Series returns to Redditch.

The event takes place on Thursday, May 9 and offers local people the chance to see elite level cyclists.

But could you be inspired to take up cycling?

Cycling is known for being a great form of exercise, offering many benefits to your health and wellbeing.

It’s an aerobic activity which means your heart, lungs and blood vessels get a good work out.

It also helps to reduce risk of developing major illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Dr Frances Howie, director of public health at Worcestershire County Council, said: “It’s important that we all do as much as we can to remain physically active for as long as possible, no matter how busy our lives are.

“Having top level cyclists competing in Redditch is fantastic and hopefully goes a long way in inspiring people to get out there and do more exercise.”

Cycling is low-impact, causes less strain and injuries than many other forms of exercise and includes use of all major muscle groups.

In addition, research shows that physical activity can boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing the risk of stress, depression and dementia.

Keen rider David Wiggins, who is a member of the Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club, took up cycling four years ago at the age of 52.

Since then he has lost two and a half stone through increased exercise and eating healthier foods.

David said: “Becoming a regular cyclist and joining a local cycling club, has changed my life for the better in so many ways.

“In my mid-fifties, I’m in the best physical shape I’ve been in for at least 25 years.

“I get to see places I would not have otherwise seen and my wife is never short of ideas for Christmas or birthday presents.

“What’s not to like?”

There are many ways you can get involved in cycling, from joining a local group to getting out and about on one of the beautiful cycle routes in the county.

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The Redditch Standard is one of a group of local weekly newspapers spanning Worcestershire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands published by Bullivant Media - each newspaper providing all the latest local news, sport and advertising, in print and 247 on line.